Sunday, July 17, 2011

[Peckers_Pics] Male/Gay Health-Discussion-PICS Model Wars-Jul 18, 2011-Boycott Trump-NBC-TARGET-FOX NEWS-Salvation Army



Model Wars-PICS-Health-News-Jul 18, 2011-
Safe PICS For All Ages/Boycott Trump-NBC-TARGET-FOX NEWS-Salvation Army
Support Keith Olbermann's show "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" - new on "CURRENT TV" (air's nightly @ 8 PM EST (Mon - Fri). About time - as we need progressive un-censored news! Replays at 11 PM Eastern and 2 AM Eastern.

Alert: Target + Minnesota Forward + Tom Emmer = Support for a rather dangerous and radical political philosophy that diminishes LGBT people to pests that should be murdered. And "Target" is cool with this? ...Now Target is suing the LGBT community for their peaceful demonstrations in front of their stores. ....Our answer: BOYCOTT "TARGET"

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Diet & Fitness:

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Health - Wellness - Exercise - Reflections:
Natural Pain Relief for Arthritis

By Dorothy Foltz-Gray, July 17, 2011

If you suffer from chronic arthritis, you're fighting inflammation and achiness. Medications help, but natural remedies that focus on the mind-body relationship are often overlooked. From deep breathing and stretching to meditation and strength-training, read on for 10 tips to tame the pain today....

When you're wracked with arthritis pain, even the smallest movements can be a challenge. Untreated, discomfort seems to grow by itself, as your body and mind rebel against the hurt.

"Once pain starts, it's a bullet train to worry, stress and anxiety," says Jane Pernotto Ehrman, M.Ed., a behavioral specialist and "mind/body coach" at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Then you end up dumping more of the inflammatory hormone cortisol into the bloodstream, which exacerbates arthritis, she says.

A whopping 76.2 million Americans suffer from pain; more than half have some form of arthritis, according to the American Pain Foundation.

The right medications can help. But because body and mind are inseparable when it comes to pain, natural therapies like exercise and relaxation also do wonders.

Here are 10 ways to halt the hurt, even before you open your medicine cabinet.

1. Take a mental holiday.
How it's done: Begin this exercise, known as guided imagery or purposeful daydreaming, by lying or sitting in a comfortable place. Then focus on your breathing.

"Imagine you're in a calming place – the beach, a forest, a garden, a waterfall," Ehrman says.

"Rest there, letting the sunshine warm away your discomfort. Let the pain drip out your fingertips and the bottom of your feet."

Sit that way for 10-15 minutes, repeating the exercise throughout the day. If your mind wanders, gently pull yourself back to the restful spot.

Why it works: "The exercise helps the body and mind release tension and fatigue, and helps you re-energize," Ehrman says. "The relaxation softens muscles and tissues."

2. Draw a deep breath.
How it's done: "Lie down or sit in a position where your head can rest, and do slow, deep breathing from the abdomen," Ehrman says.

"Count to four on your inhale and then exhale very slowly to six counts, repeating a word like `peace,' `calm,' `love,' `softness,' or visualizing an image that brings you comfort. If your mind wanders, come back to focus on the breathing."

Do this every day for 10 minutes.

Why it works: "Deep breathing sends oxygen to the brain and body," Ehrman says. "It also quiets the mind and stops inflammatory hormones from pouring into the bloodstream."

3. Meditate.
How it's done: Meditation, or quiet contemplation, can take many forms, Ehrman says. You'll want to do it for at least 10-15 minutes a day.

"Go off to a natural setting, or stare out the window at your garden or a snowfall," Ehrman suggests.

Imagine healing energy throughout your body. Visualize the medication you take as helpful, and mentally send it to painful areas. Imagine, too, that your body tolerates the medication well.

Another option: Sit with your eyes closed, listening to music, and clear your head of thoughts.

Why it works: As you meditate, your breathing slows and deepens, relaxing your muscles. It also distracts you from pain, Ehrman says.

4. Practice gentle yoga.
How it's done: "Find a yoga class that has a meditation component, or look for a meditation class that includes yoga stretches," suggests James Carson, Ph.D., a pain psychologist and assistant professor of anesthesiology at Oregon Health and Science University.

Carson cautions against demanding yoga classes, which can worsen pain. Find an instructor experienced in working with people who have arthritis.

As little as half an hour per day will bring benefits, Carson says.

Why it works: Yoga helps safely stretch your muscles. The increase in balance and strength also helps to keep you from straining during physical activities.

In an OHSU study conducted by Carson, fibromyalgia patients who practiced yoga at least 40 minutes a day for eight weeks reduced their pain levels by 24%. They also increased levels of strength, balance, relaxation and acceptance of their difficulties.

"This class wasn't just poses or stretches," Carson notes. "We strongly emphasized meditation and breathing."

5. Shed pounds.
How it's done: There's no shortage of diets out there, but most boil down to taking in fewer calories, says Thomas Vangsness, M.D., chief of sports medicine at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine.

"Stay away from McDonald's, unless it's a salad. Stay away from butter and sugar," he says. Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables."

Why it works: Taking weight off painful joints relieves some of the pressure that makes them hurt."If you're carrying 10 extra pounds, you're putting 100 pounds more force on your knee with every step," Vangsness says. "If you lose 10 pounds, you'll feel better."

6. Stretch yourself.
How it's done: Take yoga or Pilates classes to help maintain a full range of motion in your joints.

For hips and knees, you can ride an exercise bike four times a week for 20-30 minutes – enough to work up a sweat, Vangsness says.

Vangsness also recommends this on-the-spot hip stretch: Lie down and pull one knee up to your chest. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat with the other leg. Do a few repetitions each day.

Another stretch: Lie down. Put a towel in a loop around your foot and pull your leg up so your knee is straight. You'll feel a stretch in the muscles at the back of your leg and hip. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat with the other leg. Do a few repetitions each day.

Why it works: "If your joint is tight, you don't have full motion," Vangsness says. "In an arthritic knee, tightness will make the knee wear like a misaligned wheel."

That causes inflammation and pain as well as more tension. Tight muscles increase stiffness too.

7. Beef up your muscles.
How it's done: Work with a physical therapist or trainer experienced in treating arthritis, to set up a strength-training regimen.

Vangsness suggests you join a gym or YMCA, and either lift weights or do other resistance exercises. Make sure you learn to do each exercise with proper form.

Why it works: Strengthening the muscles in the front and back of your legs allows them to act like a brake. When your foot hits the ground, that relieves pressure on your knee, Vangsness says. And overall strengthening reduces fatigue. 8. Make a splash.

How it's done: Low-impact exercise like swimming – especially in a heated pool, where the warmth will relax your muscles – is a great way to get fit without putting extra pressure on your aching joints.

If you don't have access to a pool, a stationary bike can also provide a low-impact workout.

Why it works: "Pounding causes pain," Vangsness says. "But exercise like swimming lubricates the joints."

More lubrication means less friction between joints – a boon for people with arthritis.

9. Warm up and cool down.
How it's done: "Before exercising, take a warm bath or put a heat compress on the painful spot for about 10-15 minutes," Vangsness suggests.

After a workout, cool painful spots with an ice pack or bag of frozen peas. Wrap either in a towel and hold in place for 10-15 minutes.

Why it works: Warming up increases blood flow to your muscles, making them less stiff and reducing the risk of injury, Vangsness says.

Icing down afterward helps prevent inflammation and swelling.

10. Consider acupuncture.
How it's done: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy involving the placement of tiny needles at specific points.

"It's a system of healing that works with the energy in the body," says Beth Kohn-Converse, Dipl.Ac, an acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health System's Center for Integrative Medicine in Detroit.

Kohn-Converse usually sees a patient once or twice a week for about six weeks, and then evaluates how that person is responding. Why it works: "Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and encephalin, which are relaxing and pain-relieving substances," Kohn-Converse says.

The therapy also improves circulation around the joints.

"Any time you puncture the body, you send more blood flow to that area," Kohn-Converse says.

She also recommends combining acupuncture with customized Chinese herbal therapies – taken orally or applied topically – that help reduce inflammation and pain. Your acupuncturist may be able to suggest those that would be best for you.
Take Action:
  • Update: DADT has been repealed. President Obama has kept his promise!
  • Boycott Bill O'Reilly and FOX News and their advertisers. Bill discussed a French commercial by McDonalds that was meant to show that McDonalds is Gay Friendly. Bill said what is next? Is McDonalds going to be Al-Qaida friendly as well? Imagine - Bill O'Reilly compares Gays to Al-Qaida! In conclusion, O'Reilly expressed out-right Hatrad of the LGBT Community.
  • Boycott Arizona the home of "hater" - U.S. Senator John McCain. Arizona's Hateful anti-Immigration Law - encourages racial profiling and increases hatred towards minorities. A remedy: Demand Republicans to support Immigration Reform (The Dream Act). Further, Senator McCain voted against ending DADT and Blocked Immigration reform!
  • Boycott Target, Best Buy, Gold's Gym - for donating money towards anti-gay political candidates/organizations. Update: (12/26/2010): Target is continuing to donate to anti-gay groups/causes/politicians. Update 03/08/11 - Lady Gaga Ends Target Partnership, Reportedly Over Target's Poor LGBT Stance. Update 3/25/2010 - Target displays their hypocrisy and Sues California Gay Rights Group for Lobbying Outside Stores. Target is attempting to block the LGBT right of free speech! STOP SHOPPING AT TARGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Update 4/8/2011: Target lost its case to stop the LGBT from canvassing in front of their stores. A huge PR Disaster for TARGET! Perhaps Target should go out of business as they betrayed their investers and customers. Target contributed massive funds to a politician who would like to exterminate gays. Now, Target can not stop us from Boycotting them, nor picketing, nor talking to customers near their stores; although, Target allows a anti-gay company such as the Salvation Army to stand outside their door and speak with customers and raise money. Isn't this a double standard? Perhaps TARGET would better understand the issue if they cared about David Kato - Uganda, who was slain because he is gay! That is because Uganda wants to kill gay people. Again, TARGET invested in a political candidate that would Kill the Gays!
  • End DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). Prevents Federal employees and Gays in the Military from gaining equal benefits. Prevents Gay Partners from gaining equal benefits.
  • Pass ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act). ENDA would prevent employment discrimination of LGBT workforce.
  • Boycott Salvation Army as they will not hire Gays! "DO NOT DONATE TO THEM."
  • BOYCOTT "Chick-fil-a" for donating to anti-gay marriage groups.
  • BOYCOTT KOCH INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS- to include their products: Angel Soft toilet paper / Brawny paper towels / Dixie plates, bowls, napkins & cups / Mardi Gras napkins and towels / Quilted Northern toilet paper / Soft 'n Gentle toilet paper / Sparkle napkins / Vanity fair napkins / Zee napkins / Georgia-Pacific paper products & envelopes / All Georgia-Pacific lumber & building products (INVISTA Products) / Lycra / Stainmaster Carpet. The billionaire - Koch brothers are ultra republican - tea bag founders/supporters that do not support causes of the LGBT community.
  • Boycott WALMART - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, force criticized Wal-Mart for denying employee benefits to same-s-x partners and for failing to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. By comparison, the group said two other chain stores with a strong presence in New York, Costco and Walgreens, did much better.
  • NEW: "Tune Out Trump", Boycott all Trump Hotel, casinos, holdings, The Apprentice and NBC Network! At CPAC, Trump said he is considering a run for president as a Republican. In a interview with the Des Moines Register, Trump added that he opposes all forms of legal recognition for gay couples, not just marriage. "They should not be able to marry," he said. So why does NBC keep the Apprentice when Donald Trump has stated he may run for president? After making racist remarks about Obama and recv'g public backlash, Trump decided not to run for president after NBC renewed his awful TV Show. How can NBC renew the clown's show after he pulled all such low-class shenanigans? Boycott NBC! Boycott advertisers of The Apprentice and Trump's other business's. Don't shop at any bullding with Donald Trump's name to include Trump Hotels, Casinos, Condo's, Offices, Shops! The Donald has expressed extreme Hatred towards gays and blacks with his birther remarks and anti-gay rhetoric. Remember how poorly Trump treated Rosie O'Donnel? Now we know why he did that! It was hate against a lesbian as we now know he is biget. Unforgiveable! Dump NBC because they re-newed Donald Trump's "The Apprentice"! NBC, Really? Update June 1, 2011: Trump now claims that Obama's long form, original birth certificate is fake. And NBC keeps this hater? NBC, You Kidding Us?

And Now, Model Wars!

This group is called "Peckers Pics." The English - slang definition of "pecker" is to pluck at the truth. Therefore, we peck at items such as Gay Men's Health, Male Fitness, Gay (LGBT) Politics & Issues. In this section you may peck at each photo in order to decide the winner of the "war of the fittest!" Whereas, who is the model that may inspire you to exercise and "get fit?" Warning: This may stoke you!

Your participation in discussion of health / news articles - appearing in this message is greatly appreciated.
 
Marlon Teixeira
 
VS
ADRIAN CARDOSO
 
You Decide!
Paris Pride; June 25, 2011
Stoked?
Paris Pride; June 25, 2011
Super Stoked?
Paris Pride; June 25, 2011
Military Gay couples won't enjoy benefits
By JULIE WATSON - Associated Press - Jul. 17, 2011

SAN DIEGO -- Gay service members from Army soldiers to Air Force officers are planning to celebrate the official end of the military's 17-year policy that forced them to hide their sexual orientation with another official act - marriage.

A 27-year-old Air Force officer from Ohio said he can't wait to wed his partner of two years and slip on a ring that he won't have to take off or lie about when he goes to work each day once "don't ask, don't tell" is repealed. He plans to wed his boyfriend, a federal employee, in Washington D.C. where same-sex marriages are legal.

He asked not to be identified, following the advice of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a national organization representing gay troops, including the Air Force officer, that has cautioned those on active duty from coming out until the ban is off the books.

"I owe it to him and myself," the officer said of getting married. "I don't want to do it in the dark. I think that taints what it's supposed to be about - which is us, our families, and our government."
 
But in the eyes of the military the marriage will not be recognized and the couple will still be denied most of the benefits the Defense Department gives to heterosexual couples to ease the costs of medical care, travel, housing and other living expenses.

The Pentagon says the 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act - which defines marriage for federal program purposes as a legal union between a man and woman - prohibits the Defense Department from extending those benefits to gay couples, even if they are married legally in certain states.

That means housing allowances and off-base living space for gay service members with partners could be decided as if they were living alone. Base transfers would not take into account their spouses. If two gay service members are married to each other they may be transferred to two different states or regions of the world. For heterosexual couples, the military tries to avoid that from happening.
 
Gay activists and even some commanders say the discrepancy will create a two-tier system in an institution built on uniformity.

"It's not going to work," said Army Reserve Capt. R. Clarke Cooper, who heads up the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights group that sued the Justice Department to stop the enforcement of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. "Taking care of our soldiers is necessary to ensure morale and unit cohesion. This creates a glaring stratification in the disbursement of support services and benefits."
 
Cooper said he also plans to marry his boyfriend, a former Navy officer, in a post-repeal era.

The Obama administration has said it believes the ban could be fully lifted within weeks. A federal appeals court ruling July 6 ordered the government to immediately cease its enforcement. After the Department of Justice filed an emergency motion asking the court to reconsider its order, the court on Friday reinstated the law but with a caveat that prevents the government from investigating or penalizing anyone who is openly gay.
 
The Justice Department in its motion argued ending the ban abruptly now would pre-empt the "orderly process" for rolling back the policy as outlined in the law passed and signed by the president in December.
 
The military's staunchly traditional, tight-knit society, meanwhile, has been quickly adapting to the social revolution: Many gay officers say they have already come out to their commanders and fellow troops, and now discuss their weekend plans without a worry.
 
The Air Force officer says he has dropped the code words "Red Solo Cups" - the red plastic cups used at parties - that he slipped into conversations for years to tell his partner he loved him when troops were within earshot. He now feels comfortable saying "I love you" on the phone, no longer fearful he will be interrogated by peers.

One male soldier, who also asked not to be identified, said after Congress approved repealing the law, he listed his boyfriend on his Army forms as his emergency contact and primary beneficiary of his military life insurance in case he dies in Afghanistan.

He said when he was transferred to South Korea, he and his partner had to pay for his partner's move.

"But we were able to stay together," the soldier wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press from Afghanistan. "During the move, I realized I needed to make sure my partner in life was taken care of if something, the worst, ever happened to me, especially knowing I was about to deploy."

The soldier said when he added his boyfriend's name to the paperwork as a primary beneficiary and identified him as a friend, the non-commissioned officer in charge shut his office door and told him: "Unlike the inherent benefits to being married in the Army, such as housing and sustenance allowances, our life insurance and will don't discriminate."

Same-sex partners can be listed as the person to be notified in case a service member is killed, injured, or missing, but current regulations prevent anyone other than immediate family - not same-sex spouses - from learning the details of the death. Same-sex spouses also will not be eligible for travel allowances to attend repatriation ceremonies if their military spouses are killed in action.

Gay spouses also will be denied military ID cards. That means they will not be allowed on bases unless they are accompanied by a service member and they cannot shop at commissaries or exchanges that have reduced prices for groceries and clothing, nor can they be treated at military medical facilities. They also will be excluded from base programs providing recreation and other such kinds of support.

Military officials say some hardship cases may be handled on an individual basis. Activists warn such an approach will create an administrative nightmare and leave the military vulnerable to accusations of making inconsistent decisions that favor some and not others.

Military families enjoy assistance from the Defense Department to compensate for the hardship of having a mother or father or both deployed to war zones and moved frequently.
 
"It strains a relationship when you're gone for over a year," said Navy medical corpsman Andrew James, 27, who lived two years apart from his same-sex partner, who could not afford to move with him when he was transferred from San Diego to Washington. "But straight couples have support so their spouses are able to be taken care of, with financial issues, and also they are able to talk to the chain of command, whereas gays can't. They don't have any support at all financially or emotionally, and that is really devastating."

He said he was lucky that his relationship survived and now that he is in the Reserves, they are together again in San Diego.

The benefits issue came up repeatedly during training sessions to prepare troops for the policy change.

"There are inconsistencies," Maj. Daryl Desimone told a class of Marines at Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, after being asked about benefits for gay military personnel. "Anyone who looks at it logically will see there are some things that need to be worked out in the future."
Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."

....Jake 
Important Notice: Our ObamaBiden2008 Group works hand - in - hand with Peckers PICS (Both groups were co-created to work with each-other). To prevent duplication of articles and questions, all members of this group are expected to join ObamaBiden2008. It is unfair for members that belong to both groups to hear members of just Peckers PICS (only) to make statements when the ObamaBiden2008 has covered such topics in detail. Therefore, members need to join ObamaBiden2008 immediately. This shall clear up communications and confusion. The LGBT cause is too important and beyond 1 person's need to just look at pictures. Therefore, please join ObamaBiden2008 now. No you don't have to read every article! But, it covers the LGBT community and includes updates on Health insurance; LGBT boycott list; Westboro Church; and the end of DADT, etc...Also, updates with the multi - state gov't's war against unions and people with disabilities. The group is created for you! There are gay teen suicides going on. There are Hate crimes against gay people. There are gays who are fired over their sexual identity. There are gay people who died for our cause! You always reserve the right to remove yourself from all my groups if you do not appreciate this request. I have done everything I can and now it is time for you to step up! My Groups are for Yahoo members who sincerely care about LGBT rights and Gay Mens Health! Please Join Now!

 
 
 
 

 



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"Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."

...Jake (Moderator)



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